Sash-balance



. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK P. JOHNSON, F DANVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.

SASH-BALANCE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 491,114, dated February7, 1893.

Application filed .Tuly l5, 1892. Serial No. 440,171. (No model.)

ToaZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK P. J QHNsoN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Danville, in the county of Montour and State ofPennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Sash-Balance, of which thefollowing is a specication.

This invention relates to improvements in sash-balances, and forms animprovementJ on Patent N o. 449,538, granted to me March 31, 1891, andthe object of the same is to so improve the device shown in the patentabove referred to as to cause each sash to act independently of theother, and provide means for adjusting the springs so that they may beset to different tensions to control lightl and heavy Weight sash by thesame device.

With this object in view, the invention consists of the construction andarrangement of parts as Will be more fully hereinafter decribed andclaimed.

In the drawingsz-Figure 1 is an elevation of a Window-frame with sashtherein, looking toward the inside thereof and having the improveddevice applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section-of thedevice as illustrated in Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale. Figs. 3 and 4 areperspective views of the mechanism at the opposite ends of the device indetail and separated. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of a modifiedform of construction. Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 of a stillfurther modification.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in ktheseveral views.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates a window-frame, inwhich move sash 2 and 3, as in the ordinary manner. To each sash, and atthe top edge thereof, metallic straps 4 and 5 are respectively securedto the same on each side thereof and lead upward therefrom, the straps 4on the lower sash 2 leading in one direction around outer drums 6, andthe straps 5 on the upper sash 3 leading in the opposite direction`around the inner drums 7, which are located just inside of the saiddrums 6. In the face of each of the drums set forth is formed a slot 8,having an enlarged inner end 9 in which the ends of the said straps 4and 5 are secured. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the inner member of thebalance comprises a rod 10, which is krod or stub 12.

preferably of angular form and telescopically tted in a tube or sleeve11, secured to a supporting rod or stub 12 at the opposite end of 55 thebalance. The ends 13 and 14 of the rod and the rod or stub 12 projectthrough the ends of the balance and on which the drums hereinbefore setforth are located.

The drums 6 and 7 are located at opposite 6o ends of the balance andsurround the extension 13 of the rod 10, and extension 14 of the rod orstub 12, and the drums 6 are fast to the extensions 13 and 14 andadjacent thereto are located the drums 7, that are secured to the outertelescopi'cally adjustable covering tubes hereinafter more fully setforth, and thereby said drums 7 are free to move on said eXtensions 13and 14. It Will be seen that the drums I 7 are formed with the heads 17and 21 at opl7o f posite ends of the balance and are completed byflanges 7 formed with the outer ends of each of the same. At each endofthe balance volute spiral springs 15 and 19 are situated and surroundthe tube or sleeve 11, the rod 10, and the rod` or stub l2, at oppositeportions of the balance, as shown. The end of the outer coil of thespring 15 is secured to'` an ear 16 of the head 17, and the end of the linner coil is connected to an inner reduced 8o extension 18 of anadjacent sleeve 8X.v lThe inner coil of the said spring 15 is continuousfrom the outer coil, and lthe Winding of one portion thereof, andlikewise the operation of the same, efects the movement or operationofthe other part. At the opposite end of the balance is mounted thespring 19, as before set forth, which is similar in construction to -thespring l5, and both of said springs are distinct and have an independentmovement 9o and operation. The end of the outer coil of the spring 19 isconnected to the innenextension 20 of an adjacent sleeve 8 and the endyof the inner coil of the same is secured to the movement of the drums 7,and the spring 19 controls the outer drums 6. The springs 15 and 19 areright and left springs and are so mounted that the drums 6 and 7 willrevolve in opposite directions when Winding the sw 4 and 5 of the sashthereon, and it is obviously A apparent that the movement of said drumsmay be reversed in order to accommodate varying constructions andarrangements.. The

Thel spring 15 controls the 95 tension of the spring 15 is varied, andits force is exerted by reason of the fact that one end of the same isfastened to the rotating sleeve SX and the other to the fixed drum 7adjacent thereto. The tension exerted by the spring 19 is by reason ofthe fact that one end of the spring is made fast to the rotating sleeveSX on the right side, and the other end of said spring fastened to theixed shaft 12.

The heads 17 and 21 having the drums 7 in connection therewith, aresecured to metallic tube-sections 23 and 24, which are telescopicallyfitted to each other for the purpose of adjustment and the section 24 isprovided with a series of apertured openings 25 to receive the bent endof a locking catch 26, attached to the section 23. By means of thisarrangement of parts, and the telescopic feature hereinbefore set forthconsisting of the rod or bar 10, the rod or stub 12, and the tube orsleeve 11, the balance can be adjusted to fit Window-fram es ofdifferent Widths Without in the least impairing or obstructing theproper operation of the several parts. The inner end of one of thesleeves 8X is provided With notches 27, which are arranged at regularintervals and adapted to receive a wire pin or nail 28, inserted throughthe heads 17 and 21 to hold the balance in proper Wound condition whenit leaves the factory, and when set up for use and fastened in position,the said pin 28 is removed, as t-he Weight of the sash connected theretoWill hold the drums 7 and the spring 15 controlling the same in properrelation. The outer portion of each of the sleeves 8 is provided with aflange 7X as stated having a series of radial slots 30 therein which runor extend to the central openings of the said drums to receive a nail orpin il to Wind in or let out the set of the balance. These flanges 7Xalso form a guard for a plate or locking lever 32 to hold the springs 15and 19 in proper position, the rod or bar 10 and the rod or stub 12,Which exert a rotating influence on the drums 6. On the outer faces ofthe flanges 7 are formed a series of lugs 31, which are engaged by theplate f or lever 32 which consists of a circular plate with an eccentricopening 33 therein having a finger 34 projecting thereinto which takesinto the space between the lugs 31, and the said lever is alsoconstructed with a shoulder 35, which braces against one of said lugs 31and prevents unlocking or release of the set of the springs. The opening33 of the lever is larger than a circumferential line drawn around 'thelugs 31, to thereby permit free movement of the said lever andengagement of the finger 34 thereof with the lugs 31. The lever is alsoformed with a slotted arm 36 through Which a screw or other suitablefasteningz3 37 is inserted to hold the device in proper position afterit has been employed to exert the necessary tension on the springs. Oneof these levers is placed at each end of the balance, and owing to theconnection and arrangement of the springs 15 and 19 as has springs.

been hereinbefore set forth, the inside and outside coils of the springare uniformly and properly Wound by operating the said levers in theproper manner, and by means of the said spring-adjusting devices, sashvarying in Weight may be readily accommodated and balanced by one andthe same device.

In operation the springs exert their inuence in assisting in raising thesash; and as each end-mechanism of the same is independent, it may beadjusted as found desirable and necessary.

Within the metallic tube sections 23 and 24 is mounted a paper tube 38which is adapted to deaden the sound of the movement of the Also thesleeves 8X are each supplied With awooden bushing 39 which deadens thesound of said sleeves during rotation thereof over the parts on whichthey are mounted.

Between each of the levers 32 and the inner sides of the outer drums 6is mounted a leather Washer 40X which also deadens soundl at this point,and by means of the several constructions just set forth, acomparatively noiseless mechanism results.

In Fig. 5 a slight modification in construction is shown, and thereinsingle drums only are employed and supplied with aWinding device similarto that hereinbefore set forth. A single spring is employed in thisinstance as it is necessary to only control the movement and operationof one set of drums. This form of device is especially adapted for usein connection with single-sash Windowframes, such as car Windows, andembodies the adjustable feature of the device first described.

ln Fig. G a construction somewhat similar to that illustrated by Fig. 5is shown, except that all features of adjustability are dispensed withand a rigid continuous rod or bar 39 is employed together with acontinuous surrounding tubular casing 40. A single spring is employed inthis instance and one pair of drums With one of Which thewinding leveroperates. This form of the device is adapted to be manufactured in theform set forth and to correspond with standard widths of Window-framesand sent from the factory in condition to be set up.

The form of the device in Fig. 6 is shown applicable for use with asingle sash only, but Without any departure from the invention and inview of What has already been described, it is obviously apparent thatdouble drums and springs could readily be arranged in this form. Theouter or end drums 6 when the device is sent from the factory may be inlike manner locked, as are the drums 7 hereinbefore referred to bytemporarily inserting a pin el through the flange 7- of one of thesleeves 8X, which pin engages a slot or opening 42 in extension 14.

The advantages are similar in this form of IOO IIO

device to those set forth by my aforesaid patent, With the addition of asimplified construction, the employment of shorter springs which extendonly partway over the length of the device and are independent of eachother. Thes'e features, together with the details of construction andarrangement set forth, have been` found to be possessed of considerablymore utility than the form of construction embodied in the patentmentioned.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new iszl. In asash-balance, the combination of an inner axial member with drumsmounted thereon a part of said drums being radially slotted, said axialmember being of single form and having said drums at opposite endsthereof, a resilient member controlling the movement of said drums, awinding device for said parts, and a casing surrounding the same,substantially as described.

2. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial rod or memberwith a drum iixed on each end thereof, other drums rotatably mountedthereon, and an independent spring arranged in connection with each ofthe ends of said balance, substantially as described.

3. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial telescopic rodor member with a drum fixed on each end thereof, other drums rotatablymounted thereon, a part of said drums being radially slot-ted a coiledspring arranged in connection with each of the ends of said balance, anda winding device in connection with opposite ends of said balance andadapted to engage said radially slotted portions of the drums,substantially as described.

4. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial rod having drumsthereon, an outer tubular member, other drums in connection with theends of the device, individual springs to control the movements of thedrums, and winding levers having slotted arms, substantially as and forthe purpose set forth.

5. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial telescopicmember having drums in connection therewith, Vother drums at the ends ofthe device, independent springs at opposite ends of the device, and anouter tele- -scoping tubular casing, substantially as described.

6. In a sash-balance, the combination of an axial rod telescopically-vfitted in a tubular sleeve having a rod or stub connected to theopposite end thereof, drums connected to said parts, other drums locatedthereon, springs located at opposite ends of the device and in'dependent of each other, and any outer tubular casing composed oftelescopic sections, substantially as described. Y

7. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial member havingdrums thereon, other drums on said member, a portion of said drumshaving projections extending from one side thereof, springs forcontrolling the movement of said drums, and, a winding lever inconnection with each end of the device having a inger projectingthereinto adapted to engage said projections of the drums, substantiallyas described.

8. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial member havingdrums onthe inner and outer portions thereof, an expansible tube, aWooden bushing in a portion of said drums, springs surrounding saidaxial member for operating the several parts, and a paper tube withinthe said expansible tube,- substantially as described.

9. In a sash-balance, the combination of an inner axial member, innerand outer drums thereon, sleeves having flanges between said inner andouter drums, springs on said inner axial member, winding levers betweenthe flanges of said sleeves-and said outer drums,

and leather washers between said levers and` said outer drums,substantially as described. In testimony that I claim the foregoing asmy own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

, FRANK P. JOHNSON.

Witnesses: Y

H. M. HINCKLEY, J. E. MOORE.

